HTC DROID DNA Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The HTC DROID DNA supports a wide range of network technologies, making it a versatile device for connectivity. It supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE technologies, ensuring users have access to reliable cellular networks. The device is compatible with 2G bands using CDMA 800/1900 frequencies, 3G bands through CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, and 4G bands specifically the Verizon 13 band. These enable fast data speeds with up to 100 Mbps for HSPA and LTE Cat3, alongside EV-DO Rev.A providing up to 3.1 Mbps.

Launch and Availability

The HTC DROID DNA was officially announced in November 2012 and was released within the same month. At the time of release, it was considered a flagship device, although it has since been discontinued from the market. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a noteworthy device in the history of smartphones, particularly due to its advanced capabilities at the time of release.

Design and Build

The design of the HTC DROID DNA is a fine blend of aesthetics and ergonomics. It measures 141 x 70.5 x 9.7 mm, making it a comfortable fit in the hand and pocket. Weighing 141.7 grams, the device is lightweight but sturdy. It features a micro-SIM slot, a common choice during its release period. The DROID DNA's design hails its sophistication and premium touch, primarily finished in black.

Display

The smartphone boasts a striking 5.0-inch display that offers a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.3%. Display technology here is Super LCD3, known for offering vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The resolution is particularly impressive at 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of about 441 ppi, which was exceptional at that time. Protection for the screen is provided by Corning Gorilla Glass 2, guarding against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the HTC DROID DNA is powered by the Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset. It features a quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU coupled with an Adreno 320 GPU. This hardware ensures smooth performance across everyday tasks and can handle more intensive applications, including gaming. The device comes with 2GB of RAM, which was considerable for a smartphone released in 2012.

Software

The device runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) out-of-the-box and is upgradable to Android 4.2. The user experience is enhanced with HTC's Sense UI 4+, providing users with a unique interface and additional features beyond the stock Android experience. The software integration allows for seamless multitasking and a pleasant user interface.

Storage

The HTC DROID DNA offers an internal storage capacity of 16GB, with about 11GB available for user data. However, it does not support expandable storage, which is a limitation for users requiring more storage space for media and apps. This limitation requires users to manage storage efficiently through cloud services or by frequently transferring data to other devices.

Camera

Camera capabilities are robust for the 2012 smartphone landscape. The main camera is an 8MP shooter equipped with autofocus and an LED flash. It supports HDR for better dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions. Video recording is possible at 1080p resolution with stereo sound recording, which was advanced for its time. The front camera is a 2.1 MP unit, capable of recording videos at 1080p, suitable for video calls and selfies.

Sound

The HTC DROID DNA is equipped with a loudspeaker that provides a decent audio output. Additionally, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature slowly being omitted in smartphones today. The inclusion of Beats Audio integration results in enhanced audio experience across media consumption.

Battery Life

The device houses a non-removable Li-Ion 2020 mAh battery. On standby, the battery can last up to 353 hours, while talk time extends up to 12 hours and 40 minutes under standard usage conditions. The battery life is particularly impressive given the device's powerful hardware specifications and high-resolution display.

Additional Features

Additional functionalities include a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and a compass. The device supports connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS/GLONASS positioning systems. It also supports microUSB 2.0 with MHL for TV-out options, expanding its utility capabilities.

Conclusion

In summary, the HTC DROID DNA was a forefront competitor in its time, offering state-of-the-art features and notable hardware specifications. While new advances in technology have surpassed this device, its legacy remains as a device that set benchmarks for display quality and processing power during its era. Though discontinued, it serves as a cornerstone for the evolution of HTC's smartphone innovation.